Hosanna! The Cry of Hosanna!

The Cry of Hosanna!

“…much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,  Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord….”

John 12:13-14

 If there is one season of the year that has the most impact upon me, it is the Easter season. Without taking anything away from the other “Christian holidays”, Easter causes me to reflect upon the work of God in my life to the point of entering into a deeper cry for His working presence in my life so much more! The Resurrection story is definitely compelling and demands the kind of attention that ignites personal change, but the days leading up this great day is often over-looked and under-appreciated.

Affectionately known as “Palm Sunday”, Christians ALL over the world will traditionally and symbolically take branches of Palm from their respective congregations as a kind of memento of Resurrection anticipation. It has been my prayer for several years now that I would celebrate this season within the context of a genuine cry that I hope to keep deeply placed within my spirit/heart: Hosanna!

Hosanna! The great cry to Jesus during his triumphal entry into the City of Jerusalem was given by those who were of great need and help. Hosanna, although in the New Testament, is really NOT a Greek word, but a Hebrew/Aramaic word Yasha’ (yaw-shah) meaning “save us we pray” or “save us we plead with thee.” In the John 12 passage, one thing that we dare not overlook is the fact that Jesus was coming to the City of God – The City of David – The City of the King: Jerusalem!

Prior to this, the passage tells us of a woman who broke open her very own (and very expensive) box of Alabaster – using it to honor Jesus by pouring it on and washing His feet. She, in her indigent state, used all that she had to ensure that her honor was her best! As we see further in the text, the people of Jerusalem also gave honor to Jesus by placing Palm Tree branches before Him (which is ONLY done a King). They wanted to acknowledge Him as the King who was coming home (to the City of the King)!

While they celebrated the entry of Jesus, they also cried, Hosanna! Save us! Their condition, even in the City of God – Jerusalem, was poor, needy and of great desire. I believe this says so much to our present condition – our current lives. Notice that they went out to meet Jesus upon learning of His approach to the City, and cried when they saw Him.

My beloved family of God, with tears I continue to grope and yearn for the Salvation of God, even while in the “City of God” – The Church! I have witnessed His approach and His entry into my life, yet I continue to cry: Save Me! I have witnessed many others follow Him. I have seen others bless Him with the best of their valuables, and others with the best of their “poverties”, and now it is my turn. Therefore, I must turn away from my own feasting (verse 13) and honor the ONE who has come…to be my King – my Lord: Jesus Christ! The text uses the phrase, King of Israel – “Yisra'el” (yis-raw-ale') meaning, God prevails!

 Therefore, I am thankful for Him who will PREVAIL in my life, having heard my cry: Hosanna! Save me!

“…Oh Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord….” Romans 7:24-25

 
Grace & Peace,
Roc